Metamorphoses · Chapter
Phaeton's Sisters Transformed Into Trees explained
The Latian nymphs erect a tomb for Phaeton, who was struck by Jupiter's thunderbolt.
What happens
The Latian nymphs erect a tomb for Phaeton, who was struck by Jupiter's thunderbolt. His mother Clymene searches for his body and finds the tomb by the Po River. His sisters mourn endlessly until they are transformed into poplar trees, their tears becoming amber. The bark seals their faces, and they bid their mother farewell.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story's dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of Telethusa’s de…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Transformation and Metamorphosis
Phaeton's sisters are transformed into poplar trees as they mourn, their tears turning to amber.
- Mortality and Immortality
Phaeton's mortal death contrasts with the immortal transformation of his sisters into trees, preserving their grief eternally.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“Here he who drove the sun's bright chariot lies; His father's fiery steeds he could not guide, But in the glorious enterprise he died.”
The epitaph on Phaeton's tomb states that he died attempting to drive his father's sun chariot, unable to control the horses.
Epitaph summarizing Phaeton's fate.
“The new-made trees in tears of amber run, Which, harden'd into value by the sun, Distil for ever on the stream below.”
The transformed sisters weep tears of amber that harden in the sun and fall into the river, becoming precious gems.
Description of the sisters' transformation and the origin of amber.
